One of the most anticipated matches of the Premier League season is set to take place as Liverpool hosts Manchester United at Anfield on January 5, 2025. Often regarded as the Clásico of England, this encounter brings together two fiercely competitive rivals, though the circumstances of this match tell distinctly different stories for both teams.
Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League standings, will enter this match riding the wave of four consecutive victories. Their latest triumph was marked by a stunning 5-0 defeat of West Ham United at the London Stadium on December 29, 2024. Goals came from Luis Díaz, who scored at the 30-minute mark, alongside Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Diogo Jota.
Since their last setback against Nottingham Forest back in September 2024, the Reds have amassed 21 wins and 3 draws out of 24 matches across all competitions, solidifying their position as title contenders.
Match details are as follows: the game is scheduled to kick off at 17:30 GMT, with coverage from Canal+ Foot, and officiated by Michael Oliver, one of England's top referees.
Meanwhile, Manchester United finds itself grappling with underwhelming performances, sitting at 14th place and battling confidence issues. Under the new management of Rubén Amorim since early November 2024, the Red Devils have had mixed results, securing only six wins but losing five of their last twelve matches. Their last outing ended with a frustrating 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United, where goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton dashed any remaining hopes of climbing up the table.
The history of rival encounters between these two clubs adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming match. Liverpool evidently holds the upper hand, having defeated Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford on September 1, 2024. Luis Díaz starred with two goals during this match, illustrating Liverpool's current dominance. Prior to this, the last fixture at Anfield ended without any goals, on December 17, 2023.
Liverpool's recent form has been impressive, which will surely bolster their confidence against Manchester United. Their unbeaten streak stretches across 23 matches, hinting at their solid team dynamics under Arne Slot's leadership. The Reds fans are hoping to see their squad maintain this momentum, especially as rumors swirl about Mohamed Salah's potential departure at the end of the season.
On the flip side, Manchester United supporters are yearning for their team to find its footing. The club has not celebrated victory at Anfield since January 17, 2016, when Wayne Rooney’s late goal secured the win. That's nearly nine years without success on Liverpool's hallowed ground, and many fans are eager to see if Amorim can reverse this trend.
Beyond the statistics and expected outcomes, this clash embodies more than just football—it's about pride, legacy, and the passionate rivalry between two of England’s most storied clubs. How this match will influence team morale and their trajectories as the season reaches its halfway mark remains to be seen. With the stakes so high, both teams are poised not just to win, but to reaffirm their identity on the pitch, making for what promises to be a thrilling encounter this Sunday.
For those unable to attend Anfield, the match will be available for viewing on Canal+ Foot, allowing fans to tune in at 5:30 pm GMT, ensuring no one misses out on this exciting chapter of Premier League history.